Kat Moller was a 24-year-old drag racer who had a passion for speed and a bright future in the sport. She was part of the Larsen Motorsports team and competed in the Jet Dragster division of the International Hot Rod Association. She had a degree in mechanical engineering and was working on a master’s degree from Florida Tech. She was also a Batman fan, a zebra lover, and a chicken fingers and fries enthusiast. She was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and teammate.
But on November 15, 2018, Kat Moller’s life was cut short in a horrific accident at Sebring International Raceway. She was doing an exhibition run in her jet car, a vehicle powered by a jet engine that can reach speeds of over 300 mph, when something went wrong. According to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Moller’s car drifted toward the center line and hit a timing device. A parachute meant to slow the car also deployed. The car then scraped the right barrier wall before stopping. Moller was declared dead at the scene. The official cause of death was a piece of debris that hit her helmet.
The Aftermath of the Accident
The news of Moller’s death shocked and saddened the racing community and beyond. Her team, Larsen Motorsports, released a statement expressing their grief and sorrow. “Kat has been part of our racing family for 5 years and we cannot begin to express our sorrow,” CEO Chris Larsen said. “Your prayers in this very difficult time are appreciated.”
Sebring International Raceway, where Moller was making her first run in the car, also issued a statement of condolence. “We knew Kat well and were big fans of her personality and her driving skill,” president and general manager Wayne Estes said. “Sebring International Raceway and the entire racing community are heartbroken.”
Moller’s family and friends also shared their memories and tributes to her on social media. Her father, Tom Moller, who was also a drag racer and introduced her to the sport, posted a photo of him and his daughter with the caption, “My angel, my best friend, my everything. I love you so much.” Her brother, Nik Moller, wrote, “You were the best sister anyone could ever ask for. You were always there for me no matter what. You taught me so much and I will always look up to you. You were my hero.”
The Legacy of Kat Moller
Kat Moller was more than just a drag racer. She was a role model, an inspiration, and a trailblazer. She was one of the few female drivers in the male-dominated sport, and she proved herself to be a fierce competitor and a skilled engineer. She was also a mentor and a teacher, who helped other young girls pursue their dreams in STEM fields. She was involved in several outreach programs, such as the Florida Tech Jet Dragster Program and the High Tech with High Heels initiative, that aimed to encourage and empower women in science and technology.
Kat Moller had a motto that she lived by: “Live fast, drive faster.” She loved what she did, and she did it with passion and joy. She touched many lives with her smile, her spirit, and her talent. She left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. She was a star that shone bright, and a flame that burned too soon.
